Had to pick up a new septic hose and a few other niceties from one of the local RV dealers, so when I got home from work last night, the wife hopped on the computer and went to get their hours of operation. Turns out they were closed, but in fromt of her was a big link showing their used inventory. Cool. Clicked on it, and found a few nice looking units quite reasonable, including some class C's priced $4995 to $12K. Since I've never seen the inside of a class C, I thought it might be fun to take a ride out, even if we just end up peering in the windows to see what they had inside. Who knows, might find a deal
We decide to take a ride out anyways if nothing more than for the experience, we got there and their main lot with the expensive rigs was locked up, but their side lot with the used campers as was seen on the website was right next door. Neat, let's go have a look-see.
I was horrified at what I saw.
The TT's had rotted roofs, cushions without covers, some mold-rotted, garbage all over the insides, and smelled musty. Now mind you we're talking about used 20-35 footers going for $2500-$8000. New I wouldn't expect, but at least CLEAN.....somewhat. All of the side doors were open, and since I was looking to buy something, I figured no harm done in taking the 50 cent tour.
So I stepped on over to the first $6000 class C, a 1970's Dodge. The whole overhang was caving in from water damage, and the shower area was unusable due to what looked like a hole in the ceiling that had dumped water everywhere. Went into what looked like a nice Chevy Tioga, and was smacked in the face with the pungent aroma of a wet dog. Cracked windshield, stained mattresses....
What puzzled me is why they would advertise these wrecks right as the first thing you see in the Used RV section? Or why not say they are handyman's specials? Is it too much to ask that they not smell bad? Sheesh! Even if I only spend a few thousand, at least cleaning out the previous owner's personal paperwork and old dirty dishes would seem to be the right thing to do.
I fired off an anonymous email to them letting them know that being in the market for a camper in some configuration, that I wouldn't be doing business with them. If they are that profit hungry and lackidaisical to put crazy prices on campers that should have stayed in the woods or been cleaned well, how would they be with a newer purchase?
My old Trotwood would surely make the showroom floor......
1985 Chevy Conversion van
1969 Coachmen 24' (the new project dynamic)
1970? Cox Commander 515 Popup
I kinda had the same experience happen to me when DW and I were look to upgrade from our PU. I was determined to buy a used hybrid model. After looking at some used units, DW quickly convinced me to by a new model TT. I'm glad she did.
2000 Chevy Silverado 4X4 Z71 5.3L Tow package w/3.73 gears
2005 Trail Cruiser 21RBH
Prodigy Brake Controller
Mckesh Mirrors Proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders
i have a 79 class c holiday rambler im going to sell and the price isnt going to be cheap it would be in the 8000 range but it has low mileage no rust and has been gone thru bumper to bumper and i have a lot more invested into it then what im selling it for,theres some around here for 5000 and up but then you have to go thu them and i know what that cost in time,parts labor,
1985 Class A Holiday Rambler Imperial 33 +1979 Class C Holiday Rambler Statesman 1000 = 24 ft
david_42 wrote: The old bait-n-switch. They wouldn't use it, if it didn't work so well. If you walk in determined to buy an RV that day, they've got you!
There you have it...get you in on those. You become disgusted the salesman tells you that is the way it is in the used RV market and next thing you know he has you in a brand new 25000.00 rig. I would definitely be ready for that if you go back...
2006 Wildwood LE 25BHBS
2003 F150 FX4
Family of 4...born to go RV'ing
I had the same experrience once at a junk yard. Everything there was dirty and rusted. You'd think they'd at least clean stuff up if they expect ME to look at it. Many of the tires were flat (the cars that actually HAD tires anyway) and boy do I know what you mean about that musty smell. I'm sure they were just using the bait and switch there also. Get someone interested by having junk and sell them a new Hummer H-2. Needless to say, I went elsewhere to purchase that radiator cap.
2004 F-250 SCREW Long Bed (new)
OR 2004 F-150 HD (85,000 towing miles) Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
Really now.... Just what do you think your going to get for $2500.00 to 8000.00 in a class c ? Or for that matter almost any RV. If you looking for a older C find a private owner. He probable has more vested in it then he'll every get out of it.
Also, There are people that buy that junk and rebuild them. They have the shop and the know how.
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